11 June,2026 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar
Dr Ashit Sheth and Dr Udwadia
The healing power of music is best encapsulated through the exclamation that comes from people who hear some pleasant news: âthat is music to my ears'.
The close association of music with medicine was explained with the power of prose, and poetry, by two men of medicine: eminent psychiatrist Dr Ashit Sheth, 81, and Padma Bhushan recipient Dr Farokh Udwadia, 93. The evening featured talks by both doctors, after which a documentary film called âBrain Makes Music' by musician Atul Merchant and Dr Sheth was shown to the audience on Tuesday evening at the Nehru Centre in Worli.
Merchant introduced the docs, listing their accomplishments, before touching a chord as he said to applause, "An individual's true impact can be measured in the lives they have touched." Then, a flute recital by Pt Nityanand Haldipur set the tone for an evening where music took centre stage.
Dr Sheth and Dr Udwadia at the event on Tuesday evening. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Dr Sheth's speech, spiked with humour and personal anecdotes, had the audience laughing. He touched upon his family's shocked reaction when he announced he wanted to be a psychiatrist, stigmas with reference to mental health, and the power of music.
Drawing from history, philosophy, neuroscience, and medicine, Dr Udwadia described music as one of humanity's most fundamental experiences. He traced its origins from prehistoric societies and ancient civilisations to contemporary neuroscience, explaining how music influences emotion, cognition, movement, memory and healing.
"Music is deeply rooted in human nature," he observed, describing it as a force that connects individuals, strengthens communities and enriches human life. Dr Udwadia highlighted music's influence on the brain, including its effects on cognition, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and physical rehabilitation.
Top takeaways from doctor talk
Dr Ashit Sheth
Mental health still beset by two stigmas: personal stigma and social prejudices. Log kya kahenge? (What will people say?) The majority of mentally ill patients are not violent. They suffer in silence and are often told, "Do puja, yoga, etc; your illness will disappear". Music is so powerful. We are born with lullabies; we pass away to bhajans
Dr Farokh Udwadia
Millions of people have been affected by music. We sing, we dance, we sway. The world is filled with the sound of music. Music can lower stress. It is often used intra-operatively by surgeons Great music is composed by great minds. It tells you universal truths.
